If you are among those who are desk-bound for long hours, consider doing these exercises to counter leg fatigue effectively.
Do you sit for long hours because of work? While there are well-known dangers such as weight gain and back pain, your legs can also take a significant hit. Hours spent in front of a laptop can leave your legs aching. It is not just work; even during your commute, whether standing or sitting amidst a crowd, your legs bear the stress.
Dr Sumit Kapadia, a vascular surgeon and varicose vein specialist with 18 years of experience, addressed this issue in an Instagram video posted on December 14. He shared that many patients complain that their legs feel tired and heavy at the end of the day.
What are the causes?
Leg fatigue at the end of the day can have several causes and can be traced back to the muscular and cardiovascular systems. They include your heart, blood vessels and veins. Dr Kapadia explained, “The cause may range from weak muscles to even poor circulation.” So, poor circulation is responsible, causing the blood to pool in the lower limbs. As a result, it causes issues which many frequently complain about, from heaviness to discomfort.
How to prevent?
The doctor suggested two exercises- calf raises and ankle pumps. For the former, you need to stand and rise onto your toes 20 times, which helps to pump the blood back to the heart. Next, for the ankle pump, especially if you are sitting all day, move your feet up and down like you are pressing a pedal.